Angelina Jolie and the case of the dress worn backwards.

Amazing to think blogs are buzzing and the press are talking about Angelina Jolie wearing her dress backwards to this year's Sag Awards. I ask the question. What is backwards? Clothing is meant to be explored and individualized. Tags are signals from the designer on how to wear their garment, but so are care labels telling you to dry clean only. Most items don't even need to be dry cleaned, the care tag, sometimes awkwardly placed is simply to protect the manufacturer and annoy the wearer. Angelina Jolie the mother of six and global ambassador or AKA, the HOTTEST women in the world, is not about to Jennifer Lopez up her appearance as the wild child she once was. Angie's choice to wear her Max Azria dress in a more demure manner should not be considered news-worthy. Especially when Max Azria intended the gown to be worn both ways. The fact that there is so much controversy around Angie's styling choice shows that we are not wearing our clothing, our clothing is wearing us. The back is a beautiful statement and is always the quieter choice to a spilling cleavage. Would have loved to have seen Angie throw this season's thin belt in the center just to punch it up, but kudos for showing the world that clothing does not have to be worn just the way it was intended.

Style Tip-Make your own style moments, never think of clothing with a front and back only. Problem solve your own red carpet appearances and watch your wardrobe options flourish.

Is this really a weighty issue?

Ashlee Simpson is completely right, we just swore in Barack Obama, hope is blazing universally. Are we really going to launch an attack on Jessica Simpson's weight? JS is not guilty of putting on weight whatsoever but perhaps wearing a fashion trend that is not appropriate for a curvy girl like herself. I get that most of you would not wear high waisted pants as a fashion statement. This look is really reserved for waif like gals without a huge bust. How does this post apply to you? Are you wearing clothing that dates you? Celebrity is just the example that I use to illustrate how important it is to know when it is time to update your wardrobe or let go of an item of clothing that no longer suits you. Here's the thing, you shop as you saw yourself as a young girl and once your figure begins to fill out, you want to continually keep your look updated. Jessica Simpson clearly likes the high waisted jean but it really is too much denim on her petite busty frame. Learn from the mistakes of the celebs and apply the lessons to yourself.

Style Tip-Keep it current, while you may not be setting trends you could be dating yourself by older clothing. Bring one new piece to the party. Not every women is a shopper and sometimes not studying the times is just as bad as the gal that can't get herself out of the stores.

Sample Sale Picks Tues. 1/27

On the heels of yesterday's Slumdog post. Statement earrings will be replacing Statement necklaces. As Spring approaches, earrings become relevant. Today's pick is from Vicente Agor. Set in 18k gold, this is a pair of earrings to invest in. I love the spacial quality of this earring. It has all the characters of positive and negative space that I always write about. Whenver you can get to your skin from the beautiful and edgy square 18k finding, you have an architectural winner. Add the crystal drop at the bottom which adds light to your skin tone and this earring is a slam dunk.

Style tip-invest in fashion fine jewelry. Fine jewelry is taking a nod from fashion these days. These earrings paired with your classic jewelry will update your most favorite Breakfast At Tiffany's moment.

www.hautelook.com

Sample Sale Picks Mon. Jan. 26

Ethnicity has already been trending this season stronger than ever. Now, with the little movie that almost didn't, Slumdog Millionaire. Get ready for Bollywood. Today, I offer you Amrita Singh's collection. Amrita has collaborated for icons such as Oscar De La Renta and Christian Lacroix. Her collection is edgy and feminine while staying true to her Indian heritage. Want to experience India without ever leaving your house? click on over to www.ideeli.com

Style tip- Adorning the female form is your right of passage, enjoy being a women! Play with jewelry outside of the norm. Wear an unexpected drop earring during the day, I guarantee, beautiful white light will surround you.

Yummy Yummy Yotam

Yotam Soloman, a deeply gifted designer hailing from Israel but living in lA lA Land has brought this suede 5 inch stunner for your approval and approve I do. This shoe has my favorite shoe tip. Skintone...skintone...skintone. Scroll on over to Shopflick.com the Indy QVC. Your shipping is free and their is a gift of gratitude included. Ladies, Begin to walk like a diva. This shoe is going to spring you into action. Are you the ringleader? Do you call the shots? Gotta be first? then make that move.

www.shopflick.com

Tracey Ross talks to Barbra about closing her iconic Sunset boutique.

Just 3 days after closing her legendary Sunset boutique, Tracey Ross was in studio with me and special co-host/retailer as well, Darren Gold. I am so impressed with Tracey, she was a pioneer in how she led the way for small boutique retailing. Unfortunately a symptom of our sickly economy, Tracey could not withstand the over 70% off markdowns by the larger retailers. Tracey really lets it all hang out and teaches me one of her golden rules- When you aren't having a good day simply-ACT AS IF! Words to live by.

I invite you to listen to this VERY special Fashion 411-it's NEVER just about the clothing. Heard exclusively on http://www.karmasolradio.com

JUST because you are Angelina Jolie.......

Arguably Angelina Jolie is the most beautiful women in the world. But that doesn't mean she wears clothing well. Angelina looks visibly uncomfortable each and every red carpet event. Last night's Critic's choice awards was no exception. Angie has on this season's one arm trend by Chloe, but one thing Chloe can't do for Angelina is give Angelina the WANT to WEAR that dress attitude. UNLIKE Marisa Tomei who is shouting serious glamour. Marisa Tomei nominated for the Wrestler hasn't been on the award circuit for a bit, but she is getting my vote again with this stunning knock em dead red carpet look. Marisa is the approachable, cute but shamelessly sexy actor that you want to love, while Anglina Jolie is stunning but not approachable at all.Approachability in your character is important, and if you know how to wear clothing like Marisa does with her confidence, she becomes even more stunning than Angelina.

Style tip-Are you the girl that is always told she is cute? If you know how to dress your body and work what you have, you can pull ahead of the most beautiful women in your own group. Getting dressed is 2 parts thinking you CAN and 2 parts CHOICE.

And the Style winner at the People's Choice is.........

Marisa Tomei is F-L-A-W-L-E-S-S in Donna Karan. The best part is you can see that Marisa knows it? Look at her red carpet ready stance? Look at the way that fantastic red strapless dress fits her body? Do you see the imbalance-balance in the skirt portion of the dress. The eye goes right from her tiny waist to the uneven corner of the hem length, but the strapless corset portion is clean and elegant. Marisa no stranger to the edgier side of style brilliantly pairs chunky nude shoes just like I like em. Fleshtone and blush on the color wheel have notes of red which compliment that beautiful red dress.. The earrings and the statement necklace show off Marisa's beautiful clavicle bone and the wickeresque evening bag is GENIUS! This look is one to study and create for your self. Marisa is brilliantly using The Donna Karan strapless as her canvas and her accessories are all playing the same tune while not being "on the nose" If I were to nit pick in any way it would be Marisa's hair, it could have been perhaps a beautiful side part, low ponytail or a piecy chignon, otherwise you are looking at total red carpet perfection.

Style tip- When getting dressed for yourself, look to the celebs that you admire. Take advantage of the glam squads they employ to steal their style for yourself.

Double style tip- Confidence pushes your outfit over the edge. Learn what are your best angles when taking photos for your own red carpet moments.

When Bad Styling Happens to Celebrities-People's Choice Awards

Oh, Where do I begin? How can Gucci get so butchered? Kate Hudson has been breaking out of her signature boho attire as of late. This dress is classic Hudson but the shoe is ALL wrong. Teal on Teal, tough to do without looking like you are just getting off at LA's Fantasy Island. This dress is beautiful and again, I love me some one armed shoulder, but the slit is too high mostly because the one arm sleeve is too long on Kate's frame. If I would have styled this outfit, the choice would have been to shorten the long drippy- drapey sleeve BUT this dress is on loan as we all know. The teal match my dress-match my shoes. combo. Kate's loaned Gucci needed a flesh tone strappy stiletto without the trending platform. Number 2 misstep.. Kate should have gone for an island type one side sweeping hair style. A) Would have matched the dress and B) could have created enough imbalance to balance that drippy-drapey sleeve. Finally, the jewelry is way too flashy with that shoe.

Style Tip- Don't be afraid to alter around your body to find your perfect balance, just because a dress has a big label, doesn't mean you can't customize around your shape.

Double style tip- When wearing strong primary colors- the eighties are more than over- go for a neutral skintone, metallic or black shoe depending on the season.

Triple style tip- Hair is one of the most important accessories, always consider your choice of hairstyle for any evening affair.

Final tip-Choose your moments carefully. This outfit is way too loaded, there is no simplicity for the eye to rest on. Big Dress, bigger shoe, loud jewelry. Don' be afraid to be loud, but make sure there are quiet moments mixed in.

When Bad Styling Happens to Celebrities-People's Choice Awards

Here is Jessica Stroup of the resurrected 90210 dressed in appropriately resurrected 80'/90's iconic designer Herve Leger. I love the dress, it has a perfect sense of imbalance balance which I write about often. The body geometry of the asymetrical straps and the column 80's body is fun for Jessica's petite shape, The flower on her hip ties in the whole look. This red carpet look could have been a winner but there are two major missteps that don't deliver the one-two punch Jessica was striving for.

1-The open toe metallic sling back shoe with the dark toe nails. appears to be too small her toes look like they are slightly hanging off. An absolute style NO-NO. Jessica should have worn a suede round toe platform pump either in black or Taupe a betty boop styled ankle strap would have given more depth to the short and tight column hem which is very indicative of the 80's/90's period that Herve leger is famous for. The shoe chosen looks like a last minute scramble.

2-Jessica's hair, like the shoes also looks like an afterthought. My suggestion would have been to go for full sexy volume. Herve Leger is meant for a girl with body, since jessica has a diminutive figure, the body should have gone all in her hair.

Style Tip- Concentrate on your hair and shoes just as strongly as choosing your dress. Getting dressed is like painting a portrait. Each stroke adds to the layering and complexity of your painting,

Toms Shoes crushes their goal

Oh the power of giving. Especially to a child in real need. So You Think You Have Nothing To Wear is more than a reality for the children in Ethiopia. Toms Shoes founder Blake Mycosky, a visionary pioneer in his one for one mission took on the big time goal of 30,000 shoes in 30 days this past December. In typical Toms style, they squashed their goal of 30,000 shoes by 7,000 pairs. All thanks to you. While you were gifting your loved ones this holiday you were also gifting an Ethiopian child with his/her very first pair of shoes.
Now, that's the true meaning of Christmas.

Style tip- Go and purchase Toms wrap boot, inspired after polo horses bandages and Toms classic espadrille.
Be a part of the Toms movement-improve your style and your karma.
www.tomsshoes.com

The Great Masquerade

So You Think You Have Nothing To Wear is dedicated to helping you find your own point of view. Allowing you to create a sense of style all your own with the budget you have. If it isn't on sale, it isn't on you is a mantra I want you to adopt when shopping in your favorite boutiques or cruising online. You must also adopt a NO multiple rule. When buying on sale, buying THREE of the same item in different colors is not utilizing this blog for all the styling tips that are offered. Don't be lazy when shopping, push your envelope but don't push your credit cards.

Dressing on the nose and matching your shoes to your shirt is how you were taught to get dressed as a chld. I know it sounds risky to mix and match textures, but I am always here to help. Send me pictures of your own styled outfits and let me review them on my blog. Together you and I can create a thinner, sexier more vibrant you. No one needs to know you are on your millionth diet and some of you don't even need to be on a diet at all. Clothing is the great masquerade. Are you ready to get dressed?

Sample sale picks Tues. 1/6

When it comes to handbags and clutehes, a girl can never have 2 many options. I will constantly be hitting you with handbag posts. Jennifer Lopez the queen of options put Katherine Kwei on the map with her jury duty paparazzi shots a few season's back. JLo was carrying a phenomenal , putty swingy, fringy but fringy like we had never seen before. Handbag designer Katherine Kwei uses traditional chinese chording seen in celebratory chinese customs. The Donna clutch featured above in grey snakeskin is a keeper and will punch up any outfit from denim to diamonds or even both.

Style tip-Clutches should have texture in them going forward, the flat envelope clutch is not trending as strongly right now. Fashion is a menagerie of textures. When getting dressed, think of your home and the multiple textures you used. Styling is exactly that. Sometimes-it's SO wrong it's right.

www.hautelook.com

Go Mod-Go Green-Go Envirosax

I always like to say I am not hugging trees, but there are shades of green in everything I do. i am thrilled to report on these Enviorosax reusable grocery bags. Each bag holds the equivalent of 2 supermarket plastic bags. Have you checked the monochromatic, mod styling? Now you can be dressed to the nines and instead of your grocery bag screaming tree hugger, you can enjoy the fun black and white mod stylings of Envirosax. On sale today only at 20% off. Scoot yourself over to http://www.delight.com.

Style tip- Consider using one of these bags as your weekend bag, Get out of the Gucci, Prada branded bag for a much more relaxed organic vibe. I say, Good for you, Envirosax! a super chic reusable grocery bag we can all get behind.

Sample Sale picks Monday 1/5

Oh Marc Jacobs, coveted by all, why I am not so sure. I mean, MJ is fantastic at taking from the past. Since I am a flea market aficionado it is easy to see MJ's influences for far far less at the flea. I get it, not everyone wants to scour for deals or wear someone else's shoes. So, I post today for all the MJ fans, while you are simply purchasing exact replicas from the past, you love it, so I am writing about it. I have to admit, MJ does a nice job of reinterpreting his shoe collection. I think this Mary Jane high pump is lovely. NYE may be over, but never be afraid to add a little shimmer into your everyday clothing. As we have seen for the past several season's, shimmer and glimmer are perfectly appropriate for day time as long as you don't over do it. I love this shoe for its texture and ombre coloring.

Style tip-The Mary Jane can be tough to wear with dresses unless you have model like gams. For the rest of us mere mortals, consider wearing as a pant shoe. The thick heel is fantastic for your wide legged trousers, but don't discount the rock n roll ballet effect for your skinny's as well.

www.gilt.com

Sample Sale picks Monday 1/5

As you get to know my taste, you will see running themes that I like to talk about. One of them is skin tone shoes. There is nothing more slimming for your ankle and your legs as a skin tone shoe. It offers your legs a longer, more seamless appearance. This Marc Jacobs open toe high mule is a great choice especially with the lower than 3' heel height. Most of my clients cringe at high heels but finding a heel lower than 3 inches that look like the MJ listed above, not so easy. With the mule step in and the strap crossing across your foot higher up to the ankle versus lower is very flattering on most everyone. It is tricky with straps as they can cut the foot but the mule effect in the back is really essential for that seamless, longer look on your legs.

Style Tip-This is a great trouser or denim shoe. If you are wearing with a dress and you do not feel your legs are your best asset, then make sure the dress is fuller on the bottom versus a column or wrap dress. If your legs are your favorite part of your body, then you can't go wrong with this shoe in any style of dress that you wear. Boo hoo, I swear I am coming back with legs of death in the next life.

www.gilt.com